KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) uncovered an illegal private transport service, or prebet sapu, operating with vans and luxury multi-purpose vehicles targeting foreign tourists, in a special operation carried out yesterday around the capital city.
JPJ Kuala Lumpur director Hamidi Adam said the operation from 10am to midnight focusing on high-traffic areas of the city, including Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi, and Jalan Sultan Ismail, resulted in the seizure of 10 vehicles.
“Surprisingly, five of the vehicles were driven by foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Yemen, India, and Sudan, while the remaining vehicles were operated by locals.
"At the time of the crackdown, 35 passengers from various countries, including China, Canada, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Palestine, and Iraq, were using these services to travel to the airport or other tourist destinations,“ he told reporters after the operation.
Hamidi added that some of the passengers had paid up to RM2,100 for a trip from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, which covered both accommodation and transportation arranged by a travel agent.
One of the tactics used by the illegal operators was waiting near hotels, particularly around peak check-out times at noon, to target tourists needing transportation to their next destination.
Hamidi reminded travel agencies to ensure that vehicles transporting tourists comply with regulations, including holding a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator's licence.
“JPJ Kuala Lumpur will not tolerate violations of road traffic laws. We will continue monitoring and enforcing regulations to ensure the safety of road users and maintain the integrity of the country's transportation system."
The 10 vehicles seized were found in violation of several laws, including the misuse of the Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM), operating without a PSV operator’s licence, and lacking proper driver’s licences.
Summonses were issued to the drivers and vehicle owners under Section 80 of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 16(1) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
